LEWISTON, ME (NewsFirst) – A man opened fire at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, killing 18 people and injuring more than a dozen more, in one of the deadliest mass shootings in the state’s history. The suspect, who has not been identified, remains at large as authorities urge residents and businesses to stay inside and off the streets.
The first shooting occurred around 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Wednesday, at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley, where witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people running for cover. The second shooting took place shortly after at Schemengees Bar and Grille, a restaurant nearby, where the gunman continued his rampage.
The Lewiston Police Department released two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page, showing a man walking into an establishment with a gun raised to his shoulder. The police described him as a white male, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a baseball cap.
The motive for the shootings is unknown, but law enforcement sources say that the suspect may have been a firearms instructor who was recently treated at a mental health facility.
The Central Maine Medical Center confirmed that it was responding to a mass casualty event and coordinating with other hospitals to take in patients. The Maine Department of Public Safety initially said that at least 50 to 60 people were injured in the incidents, though it was unclear how many were injured due to gunfire.
The governor of Maine, Janet Mills, released a statement expressing her condolences to the victims and their families and urging the public to follow the directions of state and local authorities. She said she had been briefed on the situation and would remain in close contact with public safety officials.
The FBI also offered personnel and resources to assist the local authorities in the investigation. The shootings have shocked the community of Lewiston, which is the second-largest city in Maine with a population of about 36,000. The city is located about 36 miles north of Portland.
The Lewiston Police Department has identified Robert Card as a person of interest in the two shootings in Lewiston.
Card is 40 years old and should be “considered armed and dangerous,” according a Facebook post from the Lewiston Police Department.
Local authorities are urging residents to take shelter and remain indoors. A photograph of Card, who remains at large, has been released by police, above.
In response to the situation, the FBI is deploying aviation units to assist in the search efforts. The New Hampshire police are establishing roadblocks in an attempt to contain the suspect if he is attempting to evade capture.
The Maine State Police issued an alert via Facebook, stating: “ALERT: There is an active shooter situation in the city of Lewiston. Law enforcement is asking people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at two locations right now. Again, please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to diffuse the situation. If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please call 911. Updates to follow.”
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